As a natural treatment for stress, anxiety, and general well-being, ashwagandha has grown in popularity.
But there’s still confusion about whether ashwagandha is classified as a drug or just a herbal supplement.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about ashwagandha, how it works, and whether it qualifies as a drug.
Let’s get started by first understanding what ashwagandha is.
What Is Ashwagandha?
For ages, Ayurvedic medicine has utilized ashwagandha, known by its scientific name, Withania somnifera.
It’s often called an adaptogen, which helps the body manage stress more effectively.
It is frequently referred to as an adaptogen because it helps the body better handle stress.
Today, it’s available in supplement form and is frequently marketed as a natural remedy for anxiety, sleep disorders, and even immune support.
But is this ancient herb classified as a drug?
Let’s dive deeper.
Is Ashwagandha Classified as a Drug?
In simple terms, a drug is a substance that has a specific physiological effect when ingested, inhaled, or injected.
Government agencies, like the FDA in the United States, typically regulate drugs.
On the other hand, ashwagandha is classified as a dietary supplement in most regions, meaning it doesn’t undergo the same stringent approval process as pharmaceutical drugs.
In the United States, the FDA regulates ashwagandha as a supplement, and it’s generally recognized as safe for consumption.
However, this doesn’t mean ashwagandha can be freely marketed for specific health claims, as drug regulations limit what manufacturers can say about its effects.
Ashwagandha is also classified as a supplement in the European Union, though some countries have more restrictive regulations, especially concerning its medicinal use.
So, ashwagandha is not classified as a drug by most global regulatory bodies.
However, it is used medicinally in traditional systems of medicine, and its effects are well-documented in scientific studies.
How Does Ashwagandha Work in the Body?
Ashwagandha contains several active compounds, including withanolides, which are believed to be responsible for many of its health benefits.
These substances interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to assist in controlling the body's reaction to stress.
This system controls the release of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.
By balancing cortisol levels, ashwagandha can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.
Ashwagandha has also been demonstrated to lower inflammation, boost the immune system, and improve sleep quality.
Furthermore, research indicates that it might improve memory and focus by lowering oxidative stress in the brain.
These physiological effects raise the question: could ashwagandha be classified as a drug because it interacts with various systems in the body?
Not entirely, because its regulatory status remains that of a supplement, not a controlled drug.
Is Ashwagandha Safe? Potential Side Effects and Interactions
One of the main reasons people turn to ashwagandha is because it’s considered safe when used as directed.
Most people experience little to no side effects, even when taking it for extended periods.
However, like any supplement, ashwagandha isn’t entirely risk-free.
Common side effects include digestive discomfort, drowsiness, or mild headaches.
These are usually mild and temporary, but if you're trying ashwagandha for the first time, it’s important to start with a lower dose.
Ashwagandha can also interact with certain medications.
For example, it might amplify the effects of sedatives, thyroid medications, or immunosuppressants.
Always get medical advice before adding ashwagandha to your regimen if you are on prescription drugs.
One frequent question is whether ashwagandha is safe for drug tests.
In most cases, ashwagandha is unlikely to cause a false positive on a drug test.
It doesn’t contain compounds typically flagged in drug screenings, but it’s always best to be cautious and disclose any supplements you take to testing officials.
Can Ashwagandha Be Considered a Steroid?
Some people wonder whether ashwagandha qualifies as a steroid because it’s known to boost testosterone levels and support muscle strength.
Let’s clear up this misconception.
While ashwagandha may help improve testosterone levels in men, especially those dealing with stress-related hormone imbalances, it’s not the same as an anabolic steroid.
Synthetic substances called anabolic steroids are made to resemble testosterone and other hormones, which frequently results in quicker muscle growth and greater power.
On the other hand, Ashwagandha works naturally by supporting the body’s ability to balance its hormones.
It doesn’t introduce synthetic hormones into your system, which is why it’s considered a safe alternative for those looking to enhance athletic performance without the risks associated with steroids.
Health Benefits of Ashwagandha: Why Do People Use It?
So why is Ashwagandha so popular?
The main reason is its ability to help manage stress.
Ashwagandha has been found in numerous trials to lower cortisol levels and alleviate anxiety symptoms (1).
It’s often used by people who experience chronic stress or burnout.
The potential for better sleep quality is another crucial advantage.
The relaxing qualities of ashwagandha are well-recognized and can benefit people with restless nights or insomnia (2).
In addition, ashwagandha has demonstrated potential for enhancing immunity, heart health, and cognitive function.
Both men and women use ashwagandha to promote reproductive health.
In men, it’s been shown to increase testosterone and improve sperm quality (3).
In women, it can help balance hormones and relieve symptoms of menopause.
Adding natural supplements like ashwagandha to your daily regimen can be an effective way to support your health, especially when managing stress, sleep, or immune function.
How Much Dosage of Ashwagandha Should You Take?
The recommended dosage of ashwagandha depends on the form of the supplement and the reason for use.
Most studies suggest a daily dosage of 300-500 mg of ashwagandha extract for general stress relief and overall wellness.
This dosage can be taken in either powder or capsule form.
If you’re using ashwagandha to help with sleep or anxiety, you might want to take a higher dose, closer to 600 mg.
It’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions or consult a healthcare provider to find the proper dosage.
One of the benefits of ashwagandha is its safety, even with long-term use.
Studies have shown that it’s well-tolerated at these dosages, with minimal side effects (4).
Final Thoughts
To sum it up, ashwagandha is not a drug.
While it has potent effects on the body, including stress relief, hormone balancing, and cognitive support, it remains classified as a natural supplement.
It’s a potent herb with centuries of use, and modern research continues to back its benefits.
If you’re looking for a natural way to manage stress, improve sleep, or boost your overall wellness, ashwagandha might be worth a try.
Use it sensibly, and if you have any questions about interactions or adverse effects, speak with your doctor.
Discover the calming effects of KSM-66 Ashwagandha and experience it for yourself.
FAQs
Is ashwagandha considered a drug in the US?
No, the FDA classified ashwagandha as a dietary supplement, not a drug.
Can ashwagandha result in a drug test that is falsely positive?
Ashwagandha is unlikely to cause a false positive on a drug test.
Is ashwagandha safe for long-term use?
When taken by suggested dosages, ashwagandha is usually considered safe for long-term use.
What are the side effects of ashwagandha?
Common side effects include mild digestive issues, drowsiness, and headaches.
Is Ashwagandha banned in any country?
Ashwagandha is legal in most countries, though some regions may restrict its sale.
Related Studies
1. Title: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Ashwagandha's Effect on Stress and Anxiety
This study found that ashwagandha significantly reduced cortisol levels and improved stress-related outcomes in adults with high stress levels, suggesting its effectiveness as an adaptogen.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31517876/
2. Title: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study on Ashwagandha for Sleep Quality
Participants taking ashwagandha showed a 72% increase in self-reported sleep quality compared to 29% in the placebo group, indicating its potential to improve sleep quality in individuals with non-restorative sleep.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32540634/
3. Title: Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of Ashwagandha Root Extract
This pilot study demonstrated that ashwagandha significantly improved sperm count, motility, and serum hormone levels in men with oligospermia, supporting its use for enhancing male fertility.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24371462/
4. Title: Safety and Efficacy of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Reducing Stress
This study confirmed that ashwagandha is safe for long-term use with minimal side effects while effectively reducing stress levels in participants over a 60-day period.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23439798/
